Of all the stunningly beautiful locations in Florida, Sarasota has to take the cake. From vineyards sprawled across farmlands, lapping up the golden sunshine to ancient, towering Redwood forests, glistening turquoise waters, and state parks that go on forever, the county is a place you'll visit and never want to leave. Sarasota is called the Cultural Coast for nothing: visitors will be treated to feast their eyes on the performing arts and historical landmarks, art galleries, museums, and markets wherever they go. This is our guide to visiting the Cultural Coast and why we love it.

Visiting The Cultural Coast

Sarasota is an artist's haven, and the city is proud to be a destination for arts-based travel. With 13 stages within a one-mile radius of the downtown area alone, it's easy to see that Sarasotans take the arts seriously. There are cultural enrichment opportunities, dance performances, art shows, theater performances, festivals, and workshops all year round. Here are all the unmissable stops you should make on your next trip.

General Advice

1. Luxury journeys of a thousand new memories begin with the first step: you charter a luxury jet for your trip to Sarasota. Arriving calm, rested, and relaxed will mean you can kick off your trip well and dive straight into all the enriching experiences waiting for you.
2. Make sure you check out the galleries' websites, theaters, etc., that you've found to visit so you know what shows are happening where and when and can book tickets for the ones that may sell out ahead of time. As Sarasota is an arts destination, it's wise to know that you have some events and experiences booked before you arrive to avoid disappointment.
3. That said, make sure you embrace the unexpected! Artists are surprising, and events or showings you didn't know were coming at the last minute may pop up. Make a little time for spontaneity to balance your set-in-stone plans, and you'll have an incredible time.

Exploring the Cultural Coast — A Guide

1. Beaches: You can't spend time in Sarasota without prioritizing visiting the gorgeous beaches in the area. Since many performances and showcases may occur in the evening, you have some time during the day to take it easy. Embrace the laid-back feeling of the city, kick off your shoes, and get a little sun at these beaches in town: Longboat Key, Lido Key, St. Armands Circle, Siesta Key, and Casey Key.

• Parks: If lying around catching a tan doesn't do it for you, why not visit Myakka River State Park instead? You'll get your dose of nature and waterways without all the sand. This space is one of Florida's oldest and largest parks, and its wild beauty transports you back to a time when this part of the coast was essentially jungle. Take a tour, kayak, or hike.
• Adventures: Florida has a lot to offer those who love adventure, and Sarasota is no exception. We've divided this section into family-friendly, pet-friendly, and general adventure excursions.
• Family-friendly: TreeUmph! is a family adventure park that allows you to live out your Spider-Man fantasies by climbing and swinging through tall forests. With more than 10 football fields worth of terrain to explore, this one will require a few hours or even a day to properly enjoy. Urfer Family Park offers a fitness trail, a one-mile nature walk, forested herbaceous wetlands, and a boardwalk that overlooks them.
• Pet-friendly: If you're traveling with your furry friends, take them to Brohard Paw Park for some exercise and fun. This dog-friendly beach has litter receptacles and doggy water fountains for post-run drinks.
• General: The fishing around Sarasota is second to none, thanks to the thriving estuaries and largely unspoiled ocean life. Go deep sea with a charter rental for snapper and sea trout, or just post up along a waterway (check for signs, as not everywhere permits fishing) to get snook, jack, or tarpon. Birdwatching is big in Sarasota thanks to those same thriving ecosystems. Take the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail through Arlington Park, Great Bass Beach Park, and more.

2. Arts and Culture: These locations and events are why Sarasota has earned the nickname "Cultural Coast."

• The Ringling: This 66-acre arts and cultural complex was named after the famed circus owner. The estate and house are beautiful and worth a visit, but what takes place there makes them special. The complex hosts art exhibitions worldwide, performing arts series, films at the gorgeous and detailed The Hat Theater, and walking tours of the complex to marvel at the sheer architectural brilliance of the place.
• State of the Arts Gallery: This gallery is known as the foremost source of pieces for collectors and for its incredible, revolving collection of the finest artists in the county.
• Towles Court Art Center: Try an art collection of a different kind when you visit the Towles. Located in a sweet, repurposed home, this working artists' residence is also a gallery that has open studio nights once monthly. Note that Sundays are appointment-only days.
• Sarasota Opera: The decadent opera house hosts performances of many kinds all year. It is well worth a visit just to see the location. See their website for performance dates.
• Sarasota Film Society: If you're in town for something special, you can enjoy exciting movies or host an event. This is a great choice for a rainy day.

Enjoy Your Visit

Sarasota and its many enticements are waiting to welcome you with open arms. Nature, adventure, arts, and culture…whatever you’re looking for, you’ll find it here on Florida’s Cultural Coast.